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Dollywood Cinnamon Bread

Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe

This Dollywood Cinnamon Bread recipe delivers an authentic recreation of the famous theme park treat. The recipe yields one large loaf with a tender, moist crumb and beautiful cinnamon swirls throughout. Preparation time is about 20 minutes, with a total baking time of 50-60 minutes. The finished bread serves 8-10 people and can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
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Equipment

  • 9x5 inch loaf pan
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Electric mixer (stand or hand mixer)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rubber spatula
  • Small saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Cooling rack
  • Sharp knife for slicing

Ingredients
  

  • For the Bread:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • For the Cinnamon Filling:
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • For the Glaze:
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tablespoons whole milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan thoroughly with butter or cooking spray.
  • Make the cinnamon filling: In a small bowl, combine the sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter for the filling. Mix until well combined and set aside.
  • Prepare the bread batter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
  • Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  • Assemble the batter: Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined - don't overmix.
  • Layer the bread: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon filling evenly over the batter. Add the remaining batter and top with the remaining cinnamon filling.
  • Create swirls: Using a knife, gently swirl the cinnamon filling through the batter to create marbled patterns.
  • Bake the bread: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Cool and glaze: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a cooling rack. While still warm, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Drizzle over the warm bread.

Notes

Room temperature ingredients blend more easily, so take your butter, egg, and milk out about 30 minutes before baking
Don't overmix the batter as this can result in tough bread
The bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs
For best results, use whole milk rather than low-fat alternatives